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Chromomycosis

Overview

Type of Disease:Rare conditionsInfectious diseaseAcquired

Chromomycosis (chrombolastomycosis, cladosporiosis, Fonseca’s disease, Pedroso’s disease) is a long term skin infection caused by fungi from the Dematiaceae family characterized as being dark brown or black. It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas in certain soil and plant debris such as thorns and splinters. The infection spreads very slowly, usually from the feet upwards, and often goes unnoticed for a time. When symptoms do appear, there are usually small red painless lumps present on the skin. The infection is usually localized in one area, often the lower exposed legs, but if it spreads to other areas such as blood or lymph vessels, it may cause certain complications including additional bacterial infections and lymph problems. Although chromomycosis is known to be very difficult to cure, the infection is rarely fatal and people are eventually cured through anti-fungal medication. Small lesions can be removed only if necessary. Talk with your doctor if you or a family member has been diagnosed with crhomomycosis to find out about the latest treatment options.